It is true that a kiss is not just a kiss. Aside from the fun and sensual elements, it also brings multiple health benefits. A number of medical studies have validated that kissing can help lead the body to the path of wellness.

So, what does smooching do for our body? Below are just a few of the many advantages:

It can greatly reduce stress. – Passionately kissing the love of your life can boost your self-esteem, lower stress hormones and give you inner peace. Kissing produces an increase in the body’s production of a calming hormone called oxytocin.

It helps the body to burn calories. – Frequent kissers can now bid goodbye to food cutback and say hello to a kissing diet. Just like exercise, it helps you burn calories and lower your cholesterol level, resulting in a boost to your metabolism.

It keeps the cardiovascular system healthy. – Kissing helps your heart by pumping more blood. It also helps lower your blood pressure.

It acts as a pain reliever. – Whether it is a headache or a toothache, kissing helps relieve the pain due to the presence of an anaesthetic in our saliva. Furthermore, kissing produces endorphins which are more powerful than morphine.

It can extend life expectancy. – Don’t leave home without a kiss. According to statistics, a goodbye kiss before going out of the house can increase your lifespan by five years.

It fights off infection. – Note that during kissing, salivating produces natural antibiotics which fight off infections. Medical studies have shown that people engaged in frequent kissing will have less exposure to stomach, bladder and blood infections.

Dr. Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexologist with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She provides sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conducts sexual education workshops and speaks at public events. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com or email drmarthalee@eroscoaching.com.